Author Scott Friedman

n this conversation, I sit down with Scott Friedman to discuss his new book and workbook, "Called and Chosen: Created in God’s Image." Scott shares how his Jewish upbringing, his journey to faith in Jesus Christ, and his experiences with prejudice helped shape his passion for racial reconciliation and unity in the Body of Christ. We also talk about the five-year process that transformed his original training ideas into a practical discipleship workbook focused on God’s image, forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian character. Along the way, Scott reflects on the people God brought into his life to encourage and guide the project, as well as the setbacks and unexpected turns that ultimately helped clarify its message. Our discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Called and Chosen developed and why Scott believes the Church has an important role to play in helping people move beyond division toward healing, reconciliation, and unity in Christ.

In this episode, I talk with Lori L. Hornack about her new book, Storm Hits: A Family’s Journey Through Love, Loss, and Gender Transition. Lori shares the deeply personal story of how one family member’s gender transition affected her entire family and challenged them to navigate grief, faith, disagreement, and love. We discuss what Lori learned through the experience and why she chose to include the voices of other family members, including Eli, the one who transitioned. Storm Hits is ultimately the story of a family determined to keep loving, talking, and staying connected even when they don’t see everything the same way.

In this thoughtful and challenging discussion, the hosts examine the growing influence of sensationalism, conspiracy theories, and personality-driven leadership within the modern church. Prompted by reports of a prominent pastor promoting speculative teachings about UFOs and prophetic conspiracies, the conversation moves beyond personalities to address the deeper issue of discernment, spiritual maturity, and the responsibility of both leaders and followers.The discussion contrasts biblical leadership centered on humility, practical discipleship, and sound teaching with modern trends that prioritize entertainment, controversy, and “fresh revelations” designed to attract attention and build large audiences. The speakers warn that an obsession with end-times speculation and dramatic prophetic claims can distract believers from the practical teachings of Scripture concerning love, submission, forgiveness, stewardship, justice, and everyday obedience. They emphasize that church leaders are held to a higher standard because they shape what people believe and pursue, while followers also bear responsibility to carefully evaluate who they trust and why.Throughout the podcast, listeners are encouraged to cultivate humility, stay grounded in the Word of God, submit to healthy spiritual authority, and focus on the simple yet powerful truths of the gospel rather than chasing sensational experiences or speculative teachings. The overall message is a call for both leaders and believers to return to Christ-centered teaching, biblical balance, and practical discipleship.

In this engaging and practical conversation, Bible Study Helps explores how believers can move beyond casual Bible reading into a deeper, life-changing engagement with God’s Word. Drawing from years of ministry, teaching, and personal experience, the discussion highlights six essential elements of effective Bible study: investing time, learning from gifted teachers, praying through Scripture, maintaining consistency, developing a genuine hunger for the Word, and studying the historical and cultural background of the Bible.The podcast emphasizes that Bible study is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformational process in which the Holy Spirit reveals motives, attitudes, and areas of personal growth. Through personal stories—including struggles with entitlement, difficult relationships, and spiritual discipline—the speakers demonstrate how Scripture becomes practical and deeply personal when believers allow God to apply it to everyday life. The conversation encourages listeners to evaluate how they spend their time, seek trustworthy spiritual voices, ask honest questions before God, and cultivate habits that allow Scripture to shape both character and purpose.

In this opening episode, John Stanko and Stacy Merida share how their paths came together and how I Wrote This Book on Purpose helped Stacy recognize the purpose principles already operating in her life. They discuss why purpose does not always arrive through one dramatic moment but often unfolds through a series of decisions, responsibilities, and unexpected changes. Their conversation introduces a central theme of the series: a pivot is not abandoning your purpose but responding faithfully as your purpose becomes clearer.

Purpose requires more than good intentions; it calls for a willingness to use your time, gifts, and opportunities productively. In this episode, John Stanko and Stacy Merida discuss the difference between purposeful productivity and simply staying busy. They explore how faithfulness in small, ordinary, and often unseen responsibilities prepares you for greater opportunities, reminding listeners that the work in front of them may be an important part of their purpose preparation.

Hard work alone does not guarantee meaningful results; productivity must be connected to purpose. In this episode, John Stanko and Stacy Merida discuss the importance of understanding why you are doing what you do and aligning your effort with God’s direction. Their conversation shows how purpose redirects your energy, helps you establish healthy boundaries, and transforms productivity from doing more into accomplishing what truly matters.

Purpose is demonstrated not only by what you say but also by the fruit your life and work produce. In this episode, John Stanko and Stacy Merida discuss how consistent results, growing trust, and meaningful impact can confirm that you are moving in the right direction. Their conversation encourages listeners to remain faithful, allow credibility to develop over time, and let the evidence of their purpose speak for itself.

Purpose is not something you fully understand all at once; it becomes clearer as you grow, accept responsibility, and remain faithful through life’s changing seasons. In this episode, John Stanko and Stacy Merida discuss how Stacy began recognizing patterns of purpose in experiences she had never previously connected. Their conversation offers encouragement to anyone who feels uncertain or behind, showing that you do not have to see the entire journey to take the next purposeful step.

In this episode of Purpose Talk, John Stanko and Gregg Hughes examine the often-overlooked issue of idolatry and how it can quietly coexist alongside genuine faith. John challenges listeners to consider how good things—such as sports, money, work, family, politics, or image—can gradually take God’s rightful place in their trust, devotion, and energy. Drawing from Scripture and real-life examples, the conversation invites honest self-examination and a renewed commitment to place God first in every area of life.